Who determines the qualifications of voters?

Question

Its about legislative branch

Answer 1

Contrary to what several have said MOST issues about the qualifications of voters are NOT determined by the Constitution but by the individual states.

This is the framework the Constitution itself lays out:

Article I, Section 2:
(States Determine Qualifications to Vote)
" The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature."

Article I, Section 4:
(States Conduct Congressional Elections)
" The Times , Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of choosing Senators."

Article II, Section 1:
(States Conduct Presidential Elections)
This section establishes the right of the States to appoint Electors to the Electoral College. It reads, in part:
"Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector."


Now the U.S. Constitution WAS amended to disallow certain DIS-qualifications of voters -- mainly by race, gender or age. The following amendments guarantee the franchise to these groups.


Amendment XV (1870)
" The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

Amendment XIX (1920)
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."

Amendment XXVI (1971)
"The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age."
The 24th Amendment (1964)


One other amendment was added to guarantee voting rights, basically based as a means of enforcing the 15th (since poll taxes were used as a device to disenfranchise poor blacks)

Amendment XXIV
"The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax."

http://www.eac.gov/election_resources/usconstprov.htm

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Perhaps the most significant qualification that the individual states have complete control over is how long those convicted of felonies are barred from voting. Some states provide for restoration of rights after a period of time, others do not (and what constitutes a felony varies by state).

The individual states also determine whether and how absentee ballots will be handled.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_the_United_States#Eligibility
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex-offender_voting_rights_by_state

Answer 2

In the UK it is done in parliament - they debate the issue and make the necessary amendments, the last major change was in the 1970's when they lowered the age to 18 I think this was done as apolitical stunt by the conservatives who felt that they had a better chance of winning with the youth vote or maybe I'm just being cynical about polititians integrity - that is if they actually have any! There is a rumour going around that they are thinking of lowering it to 16 but that seems peculiar in a country where 90 odd percent of teens have no idea who the prime minister is - let alone policies on health, education or the war in Iraq, that it will actually happen, but with all the integrity of polititians looking out for our welfare, I'm sure that they will do the right thing.

this was intended to convey a heavy overtone of sarcasm in places!

Answer 3

as long because of fact the attempt is on the form because it grow to be written, no longer because it extremely is being perverted. and you should supply evidence which you're a organic born US Citizen; that shuts out any illegals, and illegals with Amnesty. The 14th substitute desires repealed, it no longer applies - it grow to be written suitable to former slaves, there are no former slaves anymore. This u . s . a . may well be much greater useful. particular, I reported greater useful. we are nevertheless the only superpower. yet another disqualification for any elected place: in case you ever had any formal training in regulation, then you may not be elected for something. term limits: 2 phrases. a million term is to no longer exceed 4 years. this might close down all of us with any lawsuits, or question: must be a organic born citizen, AND coach constructive evidence on call for. ought to have been a non-stop US citizen on your total existence. ought to have lived interior US barriers for each thing of your existence; till on expert US military or US government orders. Bethany: Why do no longer we in basic terms confirm of who a citizen is? it extremely is undemanding, you should serve interior the dep. of protection to be a citizen. you already know, from Starship squaddies - provider ensures Citizenship. Now there's a foul theory. Retirees pay taxes, and characteristic for his or her total working existence. If absolutely everyone merits to vote, it extremely is them and Veterans.

Answer 4

Eh? You mean like prisoners or under 18's? Guess the voter decides, given the manifesto of the party they vote for

Answer 5

the constitution defines the qualifications of voters.

Answer 6

The laws passed determine who is eligible to vote.

Answer 7

The US constitution

Answer 8

The US constitution
does

Answer 9

can you give a bit more information? Which voters, hon?

Answer 10

THE CONSTIUTION.